Recently, I opened a yoga studio in Suntree with with hopes of sharing my passion with all who walk through my studio doors. I had a vision of all shapes and sizes joining my class to make it known that anyone can do yoga. I knew my studio would be successful. But, what I didn’t know was who would actually show up for class.

After being open only three weeks, I heard a loud roaring from a motorcycle pulling up to the studio. I assumed the large-framed tough-looking man was headed toward the counseling center next to my studio. To my surprise, he entered through my yoga doors. He can’t be here for yoga, I thought. Had I done something illegal that I needed a scare?

Lenny stood 6′3″ tall with a large athletic frame. He was an ex-football player with a broad chest and shoulders, and large, muscular arms that were about the size of my waist. With one slight push, this man could probably knock me over. He had a strong confident presence that made you feel like he was in control - except when he was in a yoga studio for the first time. He was the perfect example of a strong, tough “manly man”, not my impression of a yoga student. The students I had taught in the past were more like light and graceful ballet dancers.

From his many questions before class began, I knew he was skeptical and nervous about this “yoga thing”. His doctor had suggested it to avoid back surgery. Still, I gave him credit for actually being willling to try it.

He chose a spot in the back, and as I began class, I saw him look leary, anxious and a bit confused as his feet squished into the mat. As we stretched and twisted from one pose to another, the look on his face said, “You want me to do what with my leg? Are you crazy?” At times, I had to work to keep a straight face as he had no idea what challenging position was to come next. To put it gently, the yoga did not come easy for him.

He struggled through his first class. The mat was drenched with sweat. His body moved in directions he never knew was possible. As I watched him, I absolutely knew that he had potential, but was not sure if he thought that. His comment at the end of class was that it wasn’t easy. He was humbled from the yoga class. I have no idea what he did at football practice, but I knew it was nothing like this.

He thanked me for the class, and I thought I would never see him return. However, since then, Lenny has attended class three or four times each week. He has dropped 26 pounds, and feels confident that the yoga is the answer instead of back surgery.

Each and every day that Lenny returns, I watch him drop his ego at the door, and become more flexible, confident. I am so proud of him for not giving up on something challenging for him. Sometimes, it seems that people only choose to do things that are easy for them. Or something familiar. Or something they are comfortable with. Lenny, a bounty hunter and occasional cage fighter, stepped out of his comfort zone with a positive attitude and is now mastering yoga.

As an instructor for the past 20 years, I notice that many people are intimidated about yoga for lots of  reasons. I feel they should try it first and then compile their own opinion, just like Lenny did.

Lenny is an inspiration to me. He tried something new, he had fears and intimidations just like all of us, but he faced them and is now enjoying the many benefits of yoga. With the new year upon us, isn’t this the kind of inspiration and motivation we could all use?

If a 46-year old Harley biker with no previous yoga experience can do it, then anyone can. Lenny has helped me to remember never to give up and to work hard. It is in our greatest challenges that we discover our greatest gifts.